Statement by Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau on International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

May 17, 2013

MONTRÉAL– Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau made the following statement today on International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia:

On International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, we join in renewing our commitment to end all discrimination, while remembering the LGBTTQ community’s long and difficult struggle for equality and acceptance – one that continues to this day.

Here in Canada, the LGBTTQ community has made notable progress in legal rights, dating back to the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the 1960s, to equality rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, to the assent of the Civil Marriage Act in 2005. In our schools, gay-straight alliances and similar support groups challenging homophobia are becoming more common, and harassment and discrimination are increasingly rejected. From immigration and employment protections to adoption rights, Canada has a record of confronting homophobia.

Nevertheless, the stigma many individuals confront in their daily lives remains very real, both here at home and around the world. In many countries, LGBTTQ individuals are not only deprived of basic dignity but frequently face imprisonment, brutality and death.

Today is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the significant challenges that remain, but also to stand united in celebrating and advocating for diversity. The Liberal Party of Canada will continue to unequivocally defend LGBTTQ rights as human rights.”